Chapter 1253: The Vanguard

At this moment, Yan Town was unprecedentedly bustling. Tens of thousands of people had gathered here, including martial arts experts from the Western Regions and the Central Plains who had come on their own. They filled an area several miles around Yan Town, yet they were neatly organized into several distinct groups with clear identities.
When Kai Xin, Feng Ling, Xu Yao, Xiao Yue, and their group arrived at lightning speed, the people on the periphery quickly recognized the leader of the group.
Yan Town instantly became a hub of excitement!
“They’re here!”
“They’re here!”
“Get up!” An atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm quickly spread from the periphery into the town. Many people voluntarily parted to create a path for Kai Xin and his group to pass through quickly.
Along the way, many people called out the name of Master Kai Xin…
From afar, Kai Xin saw Lin Xiao, Xiao Li Windstorm, and others coming out of Yan Town upon hearing the news:
“Master!”
“Master Kai Xin!”
Kai Xin dismounted gracefully. Before he could speak, Lin Xiao stepped forward:
“All ten thousand members of the Heroic Alliance have arrived! We’re waiting only for your command, Master Kai Xin!” His voice was loud and resounding.
Behind him stood ten thousand members of the Heroic Alliance, each with determined eyes, staring intently in his direction.
Not bad!
Kai Xin’s eyes lit up, but he still bowed respectfully: “President Lin, you’re too kind to me… For this trip to the Western Regions, we really rely on you!”
“Master! All twenty thousand of my men have arrived…”
“Mm.”
At this moment, Xiao Li Windstorm served as an elder of the Splendid Rivers and Mountains faction. Kai Xin simply nodded, glanced around, and spotted the even more disciplined formation of the Splendid Rivers and Mountains faction:
“Order them to rest for half an hour before setting off!”
“Understood!”
Xiao Li Windstorm promptly passed on the order.
Lin Xiao also stayed busy, spreading Kai Xin’s instructions throughout the Heroic Alliance.
This time, Kai Xin didn’t hesitate. He turned to look at another, more chaotic formation in the distance: “Who are all those people over there?”
“Oh.”
Xiao Li Windstorm realized quickly: “It’s experts from various sects in the Central Plains, along with heroes who came uninvited. In total, there are over thirty thousand people.”
“…Oh.” Kai Xin frowned.
Then he issued an order that surprised everyone:
“Except for the Splendid Rivers and Mountains faction and the Heroic Alliance, everyone else should form a second line and wait for my orders. No one is allowed to take action without my permission… Xiao Li, make sure the message reaches everyone!”
Xiao Li Windstorm had no doubts about Kai Xin’s order. He nodded in agreement and quickly found a group of people to spread the message.

“This…” Lin Xiao looked shocked, not quite understanding. The Evil Emperor’s forces were already incredibly formidable, and now their numerical advantage had been greatly reduced. The heroes from the Central Plains martial world and the two groups were separated, making them easy targets to be defeated one by one… “There’s no time to explain in detail—just come up with any reason!” Happy had no intention of explaining and, in a rather arbitrary manner, called a few more people forward. These four were those who had performed outstandingly in the sect competition: Orochimaru, Qingdeng Muyu, Windy Li, and Mo Feng! After changing into new gear, they stood among the crowd with an unusual and solemn aura, radiating an air of power. They lined up in front of Happy, leaving Lin Xiao watching with envy. “Hongchen, if just one of these four joins our Heroic Alliance, it would be like finding a treasure!” “…” Hongchen gave Mo Feng, who stood with a cold and aloof gaze, a deep look but said nothing. … “Sect Leader!” After several days apart, all four had changed. Windy Li, after adapting to his role as an elder for some time, gradually developed the dignity and presence befitting a strong warrior. Mo Feng became even colder, her attention entirely focused on Happy from the moment he appeared, as if nothing else around her could capture her interest. This surprised Fengling and Xu Yao, who had dismounted behind Happy; Xu Yao even grew suspicious and kept a close eye on her. Orochimaru’s aura remained dark and solemn, with a hint of complexity shining through his cold composure—unknown what he was thinking. Qingdeng Muyu’s handsome expression stayed unchanged, except for slight, imperceptible changes whenever Happy’s gaze fell on him. “I have tasks for you all,” Happy said directly and concisely. “Muyu, you and Orochimaru will lead the way with the people on the list as vanguard. Set out immediately. Before the main force departs, eliminate all spies in the four cities along the route to Shiva City—leave none behind.” “Everyone?” “These days, I believe the players in Persia already know of our arrival and will be on guard. Moreover, most of the local gangs in Persia have received our notice and will withdraw their forces, staying inside the cities. Anyone who goes outside is considered a spy for the Wolves—kill them without hesitation!” “Yes!” Qingdeng Muyu readily accepted the order. On the contrary…

The usually bloodthirsty Orochimaru frowned instead and raised an objection, “The Wild Wolves are best at ambushes in groups of three. If we go like this, we’re likely to be attacked by them. Master, shouldn’t we consider some precautions?”
“No need.”
Kai Xin glanced at him lightly and said firmly, “The Wild Wolves won’t strike before we reach Shiva City. Even if they do, with your two’s strength, you’re more than enough to eliminate their forces… Don’t disappoint me.”
“Yes!”
Orochimaru sensed that Kai Xin had emphasized those last two words slightly and was shocked. He shot him a quick glance before responding obediently.
Nodding, Kai Xin turned to Lee Wind and Mo Feng, “Each of you lead a group to protect the flanks of the main force, ready to handle any emergencies, ensuring the main force isn’t disturbed on its way to Shiva City.”
This time, both Mo Feng and Lee Wind froze…
“Master, why not let me lead the vanguard to clear out the forces ahead? I guarantee I’ll complete the task!” Mo Feng spoke up.
Lin Xiao and Hong Chen were stunned.
Lee Wind then said, “I think the same.” As he spoke, he cast a subtle glance at Orochimaru and Qing Deng Mu Yu.
“No need. Orochimaru has rich experience in killing, and Qing Deng Mu Yu is quite strong, but I don’t know him well enough yet. This is a good chance to observe… With Orochimaru watching over us, I’m at ease.”
Kai Xin’s explanation surprised not only Lee Wind and Mo Feng but also Lin Xiao, Hong Chen, and everyone else who heard it.
At ease with Orochimaru?
It seems the legacy of Tian Dao Song Que has quite an impact…
Everyone’s eyes flickered between Orochimaru’s face, filled with suspicion and speculation.
Orochimaru and Qing Deng Mu Yu, however, sensed deeper meaning behind it. They obeyed and quickly selected the names from the list before leaving Yan Town and entering Persia!
…
Orochimaru and Qing Deng Mu Yu led a total of two thousand troops as the vanguard into Persia.
The cavalry force of two thousand men was massive, like an army of steel, looking extremely spectacular and imposing.
Orochimaru and Qing Deng Mu Yu were naturally at the forefront…
After leaving Yan Town, they quickly communicated through telepathy:
“Orochimaru.”
“Master Kai Xin has entrusted us with over two hundred top experts as the vanguard. He really trusts us… This force is strong enough to rival the most powerful gang in Persia.”
“…”
Orochimaru nodded, his gaze flickering.
Good.

With two thousand men in Mali and a ratio of ten top experts to one, this vanguard possessed extraordinary combat capabilities. The two hundred top experts, each capable of fighting on their own, combined with eighteen hundred elite fighters, were like a sharp arrow—unlikely to be stopped unless they encountered the entire Wild Wolf Organization’s forces.
“It’s a shame that Meng Yun ordered us to deliver a fatal blow to Jinxiu Heshan at the last moment. It’s not the right time to act yet. Otherwise, leading these two thousand men straight into Wild Wolf’s ambush would also deal a significant blow to Jinxiu Heshan.” If Qingdeng Muyu had spoken these words aloud, he would undoubtedly have become the target of criticism from the two thousand men behind him.
“…”
Hearing this, Orochimaru gave him a cold glance.
“Better not say such foolish things again.”
“…”
Qingdeng Muyu’s tone faltered.
“Kai Xin is right—you truly lack experience… Since Kai Xin can contact most of the local gangs in Persia, it means every move of the Wild Wolf Organization is under his surveillance… Not to mention, you have no chance to act on your own and bury these two thousand men. The moment you act, Meng Yun’s pawn, you, will be rendered useless before even serving any purpose… Hmph!”
The harsh words behind him turned into a cold snort.
Qingdeng Muyu knew it was Orochimaru’s disdain and mockery. His face darkened, but he had no reply.
“What you need to do now is to carefully follow every order from Kai Xin until Meng Yun gives specific instructions. Otherwise, don’t blame me if I can’t protect you,” Orochimaru said in a warning tone.
“…”
“I don’t know what Meng Yun sees in you or what promises he made to you, but I don’t want to be dragged down by an amateur like you. Understand?”
“…You!”
“Stop with ‘you’ and ‘I’. Just because you suddenly gained some strength, do you think you can stand equal to me? I earned my reputation through sword and spear—being the number one demon of the Central Plains… Both Meng Yun and Kai Xin know this! So, it’s best you cooperate this time and don’t disrupt my plans. Otherwise, don’t blame me if I won’t show you any mercy, not even to Meng Yun or Kai Xin,” Orochimaru continued harshly.
Qingdeng Muyu’s expression grew even darker.
But it was indeed the case…
Orochimaru had always been one of the top experts in the Central Plains! Ruthless and unscrupulous in his actions. Now, having inherited the legacy of Tian Dao Song Que, his strength would surely soar after this battle. Both Meng Yun and Kai Xin were aware of this, which was why they gave similar orders.

“…Hmph.”
Seiryu Mokuyu immediately retracted the few thoughts spinning in his mind and stopped talking.
Turning away, Orochimaru said nothing more to him.